Leadership traits in tough times

Faced with a steep drop in business that could have had chilling implications, executives at yacht builder Christensen Shipyards did what they had to do to survive.

The recession smashed yacht sales, so the trimmed-down company did some defense work. It manufactured products for the renewable energy industry. It made its manufacturing operations more efficient.

And now that the economy’s improving, the Vancouver company is hiring again and building yachts. That’s one inspiring success story.

Critics often decry Oregon’s work ethic and business savvy, but several Oregon organizations are turning that assertion upside down by demonstrating persistence and leadership traits in tough times.

Dove Lewis responded to a significant drop in donations and revenue by creating an entirely new business stream. The Portland nonprofit’s “On the Floor” training videos will be sold to veterinary technicians across the country — a move that could add up to $2 million in annual revenue in the next few years.

Reser’s Fine Foods is considering signing a NASCAR sponsorship deal that could dramatically expand distribution of its refrigerated food products. Costco is offering mortgages. Kenny & Zuke’s delicatessen is filling a void created by the sale of Kettleman Bagel Co. by opening a new bake shop featuring boiled bagels.

Even governments — not exactly known as cutting-edge organizations — are creating new opportunities.

Oregon City is taking big steps to remake its downtown as a destination area. Hillsboro city officials have just landed a professional baseball team. Camas is actively wooing companies to the city by offering a mix of incentive packages.

Creativity. Passion. An investment in the present to create a stronger future.

These are hallmarks of innovative organizations. Oregon has them in abundance.